Imagine where we would be if the wheel had never been invented
Or the car? The aeroplane? The humble, yet ingenious, paper clip? Trevor Bayliss OBE is a man full of big ideas. He was the brains behind the wind-up radio, which was originally designed to help communicate information about AIDS to the millions of African people without access to power. He says: “A simple idea can radically change a whole organisation or society. It’s important that we all come together to recognise, reward and nurture the inventive spirit.”
Trevor is now president of Trevor Bayliss Brands plc, which offers commercial, patent and intellectual property advice to would-be inventors. “Ideas are essential to our economy and if we don’t support the people behind them, there will be no incentive to try new things,” he adds.
All of which inspired a straw poll in the Summersault office – “What’s the best idea you’ve ever had?”
Simon, Production Manager: “Putting Pimms in the water cooler at an office barbecue to keep it cool and have a few litres on tap without having to top it up.”
Jim, Senior Editor: “Getting a dog when my children were young. Better idea? Not having the kids in the first place…” (We’re sure he doesn’t mean it, kids.)
Karen, Sub Editor: “Using a bicycle cape to keep my dad dry in his wheelchair – so he doesn’t have to be stuck inside on rainy days.”
Sue, Office Administrator: “I only ever have good ideas!”